I love the MASSIVE sound created by the likes of Teddy Randazzo etc. Of course success breeds success and as hits were made, the money for production flowed a little easier I suppose. There were certainly great arrangers/producers who 'specialised" in this sound to great effect.
Two of the best productions I've heard are on
The Enchanters - I Paid for The Party - Loma
I think the technique used by Jerry Ragavoy in employing the vocals and harmonies as an instrument if you will was fantastic. He did the same with Erma Franklin and Lorraine Ellison too. I don't think there are massive orchestras involved but rather it's the echo set up, the constant use of the background Ooooohs and the "chink" of a rhythm guitar that sets his 'beat ballads' apart for me. I think his modus operandi of sometimes "Less = More Sound" was fantastic.
Randazzo was THE master. Percussion, strings and a quality vocalist are all he needed to create fantastic songs. His catalogue surely stands up with anyones.
Here's a clip of his early days and then another with his finest hour as a songwriter imo. Timpani galore! Swirling strings, Soaring voices, an impassioned lead, change of tempos, a build up to a wonderful creschendo. FANTASTICO!
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